JACKSON COUNTY, MI — Few things can beat the feeling of getting out and enjoying nature in Jackson County as spring weather blooms.
It’s even better with a canine companion.
The Jackson area has many parks to enjoy the outdoors with your dogs. Here are just a few great options.
The new Ella Sharp Park trail in Jackson is used on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. The trail connects to the intercity and Falling Waters trails.J. Scott Park | MLive.com
Ella Sharp Park Trail
This mile-long pedestrian trail has offered safe walking and beautiful views of its namesake park since opening in 2021.
Connecting Jackson’s MLK Equality Trail and south-side neighborhoods to Ella Sharp Park, the system has promoted easy walkability and closeness with nature for all area residents – whether they’re on two legs or four.
Related: 5 great places to go for a hike in Jackson County
The Ella Sharp Park Trail is at 3225 Fourth St. in Jackson and runs along South Jackson Street and Elmdale Drive. The nearby Ella Sharp Park hosts 562 acres of grassy fields and miles of hiking opportunities.
MacCready Nature Reserve in Clarklake. The reserve has three different types of trails and is owned by Michigan State University.Sam Jane
MacCready Nature Reserve
This 408-acre reserve is home to about 6.5 miles of walking trails handily separated and categorized by difficulty.
The reserve is open year-round, from dawn until dusk. Pets are welcome on the trail but must be kept on a leash.
Related: You can hike with your dog in a peaceful setting at this Jackson County nature preserve
Hiking options include a relaxing stroll along the “red trail,” observing the dynamic forest environment of the “yellow trail” or braving the hill-covered terrain of the “blue trail.” Each pathway presents an opportunity to enjoy the sights on beautiful woods, glacial ponds and local wildlife.
MacCready Nature Reserve is owned and operated by Michigan State University and located along Skiff Lake Road in Liberty Township, west of Clark Lake.
The Cascades and Sparks Foundation County Park
Enjoying Jackson’s biggest and brightest tourist attraction is even easier alongside a faithful pet or two.
The Cascades and Sparks Foundation County Park, 1401 S Brown St., boasts more than 400 acres and a variety of attractions, including an illuminated waterfall, trails, ponds, a golf course and a playground with swing sets.
The view from Beech Tree Park on the corner of N. Blackstone and Van Buren streets. The area converted into a dog park in 2021. (Courtesy of City of Jackson)
Betty’s Dog Park
The City of Jackson’s first dog park is named after Betty Dahlem Desbiens, the long-time Jackson resident whose donations made it possible.
The park is free and open to the public. It’s fully fenced, with separate areas for big and small dogs to roam free. It has sidewalks, benches and picnic tables. Betty’s Dog Park is on the corner of N. Blackstone and Van Buren streets near downtown Jackson.
More information is available on the city’s website.
Fall colors along the Falling Waters Trail near Lime Lake on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. J. Scott Park | MLive.com
Falling Waters Trail
This walking trail built on an abandoned section of the Michigan Central Railroad is a great destination for connecting with nature and Jackson County history.
Falling Waters Trail, named by nearby Pottawatomie native encampments, runs between the city of Jackson and the village of Concord. It connects to the Jackson’s Inter-City Bike Trail at the intersection of Park Road and Weatherwax Drive near Ella Sharp Park.
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